Gas valve



June 30, 1942.

L. M. PERSQNS GAS VALVE Filed Nov. 28, 1938 4 Sheets-sheet 1 faz I AJune 30, 1942. 1 M, PERSONS 2,288,024

GAS VALVE Filed Nov. 28, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 /g 20 /7 y /f 56 ,Z5 /ZZ 34 June 3o, 1942.

/64 @I /e /Z //1 L. M. PERSONS GAS VALVE Filed Nov. 28, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Z6 ,e6 z5 if 33'/ fm a.

4r rosa/5% June 30, 1942. L. M. PERSONS A wen/c5 M PERSO/s45,

Patented June 30, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE GAS VALVE Lawrence M. Persons, St. Louis County, Mo., as-

signor to Automatic Control Corporation, St. Louis, Mo., a corporation of Delaware Application November 28, 1938,. Serial No. 242,748

l (Cl. 50-5) 6 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to valves, and more particularly to a combination on-and-off pressure regulator gas valve.

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel combined on-and-oi and pressure regulator valve.

Another object is to provide a valve for the control of gas furnaces, or the like, which is thermally actuatable and which includes the combined features of an on-and-off valve and a pressure regulator valve.

Another object is to provide a thermally actuatable diaphragm gas valve which includes in combined relation a novel on-and-oi valve and a novel pressure regulator valve.

Another object is to provide a diaphragm gas valve including novel on-and-oi mechanism.

Another `object is to provide a sturdy and efflcient gas valve adapted to fulfill all of the objects and advantages sought therefor.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the Aaccompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. lis a top view of a valve constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention,certain externalv thermal element-s being broken away;

Fig. 2 is an elevation of one side of the valve n shown in Fig. 1; v

Fig. 3 is an elevation of another side of the valve shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an elevation of valve shown in Fig. l;

Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the valve shown in Fig. l, the thermal elements broken away in Fig. 1 being shown;

Fig. 6 is a section Fig. 1o is .a section on the line IoL-lnj of rigs.- 4 and '7; r

lon the line 6;-6 of Figs." 1,;

a thirdside of the Pig. 14 is a'sectiqn on the une 1 4-44 cf'Fig. 5.

' Referring 'to the drawings more particularly by referencenumerals, indicates generally a valve constructed in accordance with the teachings' of the presentinvention. The valve 20 includes a main body casing 2l and a cover 22, both of which are preferably castings. The casing 2| and cover 22 are maintained in a closed relation by screws 23 (Figs. 6 and 7), and clamp between the opposed peripheral edges a ilexible diaphragm 24,

The cover 22 is of the configuration clearly shown by Figs. 1 and 6, the planar portion 25 being spaced from the plane of .the diaphragm 24 to form a chamber 26. A hollow stem 28 formed as an integral part of the cover 22 extends upwardly from the planar portion 25 and terminates in a circular flange 29, which is threaded to receive an internallyand externally threaded sleeve 30, which includes a circular flange 3l disposed within the stem 28 and rmly pressing washers 32 against the interior'face of the flange 29 to eiect a sealing relation. A screw 34-engages the sleeve 30 internally and projects into the stem 26. The screw 34 has an annular groove 35 adjacent that end disposed within the stem 28, and a diametrically disposed slot 36 within the other end to permit adjustment of the screw 34. A cap 38 encloses the outer end of the screw 34, said cap38 including internal threads which engage the outwardly disposed external threads of the sleeve 30. -A washer 39 between the'external face ofthe flange 28 of the stem 28 and theperipheral face of'the cap 38 insures a tight seal therebetween.

A ring 4l isixed against the internal face of the planar portion 25 by screws 42, 'the internal diameter of the ring 4| being smaller than the internal diameter of the stem 28 (Fig. 6). A

one end abutting they bottoin--v orthecup, 4 3 and the other end-inv engagementywitlrthje groove 35* I vvirifth Screw .34.: It' isf-apparel-Mht the' Spring '46 at all' timesbiases the cup Stowardsthe po 5 sition shown in Fi`g."6`.

The casingv2l includes an upper-chamber 50 (Figs. 6, 7, and 8) which is separated from the chamber 26 by the diaphragm 24. Within the chamber is a large flat lever 5l pivoted through ilanges52 (Fig, 7) von the reduced extensions 53y (Fig. 8) of adjustable screws 5 4. The lever 5I includes three extensions 55 56, and 51.

A valve 58 is suspended from the extension 55 of the lever 5l bya connecting member 59.- The `valve 58 has a leather face 60 maintained in positlon by a plate 8| which is secured to the main body of the valve ll by screws 82, or the like. The leather face 88 of the valve 58 cooperates with the knife-edged valve seat 83.

The extension 58 of the lever 5| is connected to the diaphragm 24 by a suitable connecting member 85, the connecting member 85 being fixed to upper and lower plates 88 and 81, respectively, between which is clamped the major portion of the diaphragm 24. The lower end of the connecting member 85 removably engages a slot 88 in the extension 58. The upper portion of the connecting member 85 is adapted to rest within the depression 45 of the cup 43 so that the cup 43 contacts the upper plate 88 over a relatively large area.

A screw 18 is connected to the extension 51 of the lever 5| by suitable members 1| which engage a reduced extension of the screw 18. The screw 18 extends into a lower chamber 12 and supports within the chamber 12 a modulating valve 13 threadedly engaging the screw 18. A nut 14 locks the modulating valve 13 in a selected position. The modulating valve 13 cooperates with a valve seat which is xed in a wall 18 which separates the upper chamber 58 and the lower chamber 12.

The lower chamber 12 is subdivided into an inlet chamber 11 and an outlet chamber 18 by a wall (Figs. 6 and 9). 'I'he inlet chamber 11 has an annularly threaded opening 19 which receives a suitable fitting 88 (Fig. 9) Similarly, the outlet chamber 18 has a threaded annular opening 8| which receives a suitable tting 82.

The outlet chamber 18 has a large opening 83 in one side (Fig. 9) which is closed by a housed thermally actuatable assemblage 85 (Figs. 4, 5,

and 9) 'I'he assemblage 85 includes an elongated cup-shaped member 88 which is closed by a plate 81. The member 88, which is preferably a casting, is divided by a wall 88 interiorly into chambers 89 and 98. Within the chamber 89 is a cup 9| which has an annular flange 92 which continuously overlies the walls forming the chamber 89. A cup-shaped diaphragm 93 is sealed within the cup 9| to provide a space between the face of the said cup 9| and the diaphragm 93, from which leads a fluid containing tube 98 (Fig. 6). A post 94 is rigidly aillxed to the diaphragm 83 centrally of the face thereof by suitable means. A spring 95 surrounds the post 94 and abuts the interior surface of the face of the diaphragm 93 and the interiorly disposed surface of the plate 81. A gasket 95 overlies the annular ange 92 and is contacted by the plate 81 to prevent leakage of gas from the chamber 18 through the assemblage 85. The post 94 extends through an opening 91 in the plate 31 for a purpose to be described. A screw 99 threadedly engages an aperture in the bottom of the member 86 and abuts the central portion of the exterior surface of the face of the cup 9|.

Within the chamber 98 is a cup |88 having an annular flange |8| sealed between the ends of the wallsof the chamber 98 and the plate 81 by a continuation of the gasket 9|. An adjustment screw |82 threadedly engages an aperture in the member 88 and abuts the central portion of the external surface of the face of the cup |88. Provision is thus made for an assemblage similar to that just described as being within the chamber 89, which is essential where dual thermal control is required, but the same is unnecessary for the present purposes.

A supporting member |85 (Figs. 6, 9, and 13) having spaced pairs of walls |88 and |81 at the ends (Fig. 13) is ilxed by rivets |88, or the like, to the plate 81. A pin |89 is journaled in apertures in the walls |88 and pivotally supports a lever ||8 having an extension An adjustable screw ||2 threadedly engages a threaded aperturein the lever ||8. 'I'he screw ||2 is maintained in a selected relation by a lock nut 4 and has a point ||5 (Fig. 6) which engages a depression ||8 inthe end of the post 94.

A pin ||8 is journaled in suitable apertures in the walls |81 adjacent the interiorly disposed ends thereof. A bell crank lever |9 having arms |28 and |2| is journaled upon the pin ||8 by extensions |22 (Figs. 9 and 13). A heavy briding spring |23 biases the bell crank lever ||9 in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 9) so that the arm |28 is forced into contact with the extension of the lever ||8.

A lever |25 is pivotally mounted on a pin |26 journaled in suitable apertures in the walls |81 which comprises part of the second thermal control means not essential for the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the second thermal control device is identical with the described thermal control device.

The assemblage is secured to the casing 2| to close the large aperture 83 by long screws |21, a gasket |28 being disposed between the outer face of the plate 81 and the ends of the walls of the casing 2|.

The third external wall forming chamber 18 has an aperture |38 which is closed by a box |3| (Figs. 4, 5, '1, and 9), preferably of brass. The box |3| includes two opposed portions |32 and 33 which enclose between the opposing edges a rigid metallic ring |34 and a metallic ring |35 of flexible material (Fig. 11). Gaskets |36 disposed to each side of the rings |34 and |35 effect a sealing relation to prevent the escape of gas. Long screws |31 secure the portions |32 and |33 in sealing relation, the portion |33 being braised or otherwise secured in flxed relation with the wall of the casing 2|.

Within the interior of the box 3| are spaced posts |39 (Fig. 10) which are integral extensions of the ring |34. Each post |39 includes a groove |48 in the end thereof. Also Within the box |3| is a, snap-action blade 4| which is an integral extension of the flexible ring |35. 4 'I'he blade |4| includes a main portion |42 in the end of which is a U-shaped notch |43, and integral spring fins |44 alongside the main portion |42, the free extremities of which are disposed within the .groove |48. The fins |44 are normally buckled to insure snap action of the blade |4|.

A cup |48 (Fig. 11) is fixed within the aperture |41 in the bottom wall of the portion |32. Ai cup |48 is fixed within the aperture |49 in the bottom wall of the portion |33, the cup |48 and the cup |45 being in opposing relation. The free edges of the cups |46 and |48 comprise valve seats |58-and |5|, respectively. A valve |52 having spaced opposed valve faces |53 and |54 reciprocates in the cups |46 and 48, being supported therein by supporting extensions |55 and |58', respectively. An annular groove |51 is disposed in the valve |52 centrally of the faces |53 and |54, which is engaged by the U-shaped notch |43 of the blade |4| (Figs. 10 and 11).

An elongated tube |68 (Figs. '1 and 9) is fixed in an aperture in the main wall of the portion |33 of the box 3|, the tube |68 being angularly disposed relative to the plane of the rest of the valve 28. A shaft |5| is slidably disposed within gated bulb |66 at an intermediate point.

the tube |60, being of a length to 'extend from both ends thereof. One end |62 extends into the box |3| and abuts the main`portion |42 of the blade |4| adjacent the lower reach thereof, while the other end |63 is adjacent the arm |2| of the bell crank lever ||9. Astop |64 is xed to the main wall of the portion |32 ofthe box |3| in opposing relation to the end |62 of the The tube 98 (Fig. 5) is connected to an elon- An ad- 'justment device |61 is connected by a tube |68 to one end of the bulb |66.

The adjusting device |61 (Fig. 14) includes a cup |69 having a flange |10. A diaphragm |1| is xed within the cup |69'in the usual manner. A member |12 of the cross-section shown in Fig. 14 is fixed to the ange of the cup |69 and includes a centrally disposed internally threaded boss |13. A screw |14 to which is xed a knob by a set screw |16 threadedly engages the boss |13 and abuts the central portion of the diaphragm |1|. A stopl |11 fixed to the member |12 limits the downward movement of the screw |14.

One wall |80 of the chamber 11 and the wall sage |86 which communicates at one end with the passage |84 and at the other end with a passage |81 in the base of the portion |33 of the box |3| (Figs. 10 and 11). The passage |81 opens into the cup |48 (Fig. l1) through an aperture in the wall thereof. Connecting into an intermediate portion of the passage |84 is a pilot light lead |88 (Fig. 9). An adjusting screw |89 is connected with the passage |84 at one end thereof (Fig. 9) providing means for selectively controlling the liow area of the passage |84.

Leading from the chamber 26 is a passage |90 (Fig. 12) which communicates with a vertical passage |9| is an enlargement |92 formed integral with one of the `walls defining the upper chamber 50. A passage |93 in an enlargement |94 (Figs. 8 and l2) communicates at one end with the passage |9| and at the other end with an angularly disposed passage |95. A horizontal passage |96 in the topmost disposed wall of the portion |33 of the box |3| communicates with the lower end of the passage |95 (Figs. 8 and 1l) The passage |96 communicates with an angularly disposed short passage '|91 (Figs. 8, 10, and 11) which opens into the box |3|.

A vertical passage |99 (Figs. 'i and 8) leads from the chamber 50 and communicates at the lower end with one end of a horizontal passage 200 in the upper Wall of the portion |33 of the box |3|. The passage 200 at its other end communicates with a horizontal passage in the upper edge of the portion |32 of the box |3|. An angularly disposed passage 203 (Figs. 7 and 11) connects the passage 20| with the interior of the cup |46 through an aperture in the wall thereof.

From the foregoing description of the passages, it is clear that the chamber 26, the chamber 50, and the pilot light lead |88 communicate with the interior of the box |3|. When the valve |52 is engaged with the seat |50, gas from |88 and thence to the pilot light as follows: from Y |9|, `the passage |93, the passagef|95 (Fig. 8),

the passage -|96 (Fig. 11), the passage |91, the interior of the box |3|, the cup |48, the opening in the sidefof the cup |48, the passage |81 (Fig. 9), the passage- |86the passage |84, and into the pilot light lead |88. The passage |84 is in communication with the chamber 11 Withthrough the passage (Fig- 9), but the communication is restricted by the adjustment screw |89 and gas, of course, in accordance with its characteristics, will iiow to the atmosphere at the pilot llame rather than against the line pressure.

When the .valve |52 isengaged with the seat |5|, gas from the chamber 50 can flow to the chamber 26 as follows: gas under pressure leaves the chamber 50 and successively passes through the vertical passage |99 (Figs. 7 and 8), the pasi sage 200, the passage 20| (Fig. 11), the passage 203, the opening in the wall of the cup |46,'the cup |46, the interior of the box |3|, the passage |91, thev passage |96, the passage (Fig. 8), the passage |93 (Fig. 12), the passage |9|, the passage |90, and into the chamber 26.

It is, of course, to be understood that the particular configuration of the above-described elements may be changed as within the scope of the invention, as may the location of the passages connecting the several chambers and cups.

Operation The constituent elements of the valve 20 are shown in the drawings in the operative relationship with the main burner out, but. with the area in which is located the bulb |66 having just demanded heat. In other words, the several parts are shown in the respective positions assumed when the main burner is off.' but just about to be automatically relighted.

The valve 20 is disposed in a gas line which vfeeds gas to the main burner and to the pilot light of a gas furnace employed for heating some predetermined space. The bulb |66 is located within the area the temperature of which is to be controlled. The pilot light to which the pilot lead |88 runs is adjusted to a desired flame from a manipulation of the adjusting screw |89, the adjusting screw |89 permitting just enough gas to pass from the chamber 11 through the passage |85 and that portion of the passage |84 to the pilot light connection with the pilot lead |88 to maintain the pilot light at the desired flame.

As illustrated, the spaceh-eated by the main burner has just cooled to the point where the valve |52 has been snapped into the position shown in Fig. 11, an action which results when the fluid within the thermostat contracts sufciently to permit the bell crank H9 to assume the position shown in Fig. V9. The snap action of the valve |52 is effected by the blade |4|, which is constructed to snap the valve |52 to either of its seats |50 or |5| by an overcenter action, the valve |52 being actuated to seat |50 by the shaft 6| and the thermostat and to seat I5! by the spring fins |44. When the valve |52 engages the seat |50, communication between the chamber 26 above the diaphragm -24 and the chamber 50 directly beneath the diaphragm 24 is interrupted. However, communication is established immediately between the chamber 26 and the pilot lead |88. Gas in the chamber 26 under line pressure immediately passes to the pilot llame, momentarily enlarging this flame, thereby rcducing to atmosphere the pressure on that side of the diaphragm 24 within the chamber 26. Gus at gas line pressure within the chamber 58, which has reached chamber 50 by passing through chamber 11 and through the opening defined by the valve seat 15, forces the diaphragm 24 ur vardly (Fig. 6) against the action of the spring 46. As the diaphragm 214 moves upwardly, it carries with it the lever 5| and therethrough the valve 58 which is suspended from the extension 55 of the lever 5I. As the valve 58 moves from its seat 63, gas rushes into the chamber 18 and into the fitting 82, whence it travels by suitable piping to the main burner not shown). The burner ignites and immediately begins to perform its function of sending heat to the predetermined space being heated.

As the space being heated warms up, the fluid within the bulb |66 and the associated tubing expands, forcing the lever ||8 to pivot counterclockwise (Fig. 9), which pivots the bell crank H9 clockwise, thereby moving the arm |2| away from the shaft |6| to permit the blade |4| to snap the valve |52 into engagement with the seat 15|. Communication is immediately interrupted between the chamber 26 and the pilot light lead |88, and communication is established between the chamber 26 and the chamber 50. Gas under line pressure passes from the chamber 50 into the chamber 2'6. The pressure of the gas combined with the force of the spring 46 forces the diaphragm 24 downwardly (Fig. 6) to lower the lever 5| which lowers the valve 58 into engagement with its valve seat 63. The flow of gas to the main burner is thereupon interrupted and the main burner goes out. The pilot light, of course, continues to function, inasmuch as the grs continues to pass to it from the main line.

There is provided means for preventing an undue gas line pressure from forcing the diaphragm 24 to a position to permit more than a suflicient amount of gas to pass to the main burner. valve 13 is also moved upwardly towards its seat 15, for it is attached to the extension 51 of the lever 5|. It is apparent that, as the vlave 58 moves upwardly to permit a greater amount of gas to pass to the main burner therethrough, the valve 13 moves upwardly towards its seat 15 to cut down on the amount of gas passed from the chamber 11 into the. chamber 58. 'I'he valve 13, therefore, functions as a pressure regulator. The valve 13 is adjusted in its position on the screw so that a gas pressure can obtain within the chamber 50 to insure a reasonably constant flame of the main burner.

It is apparent, therefore, that there has been described a gas valve which combines the features of an on-and-oi valve and a pressure regulator valve. The cooperating functioning of these several features provides an eicient and thoroughly elective gas valve.

It is apparent that the gas valve comprising the subject matter ofthe present invention includes a large number of adjustable features so that the valve is capable of functioning under a wide range of conditions. The force exerted by the spring 48 can be` adjusted through manipulation of the screw 34, which can be reached merely by removal ofthe cap 38. The lateral position of the lever 5| can be varied through movement of the adjustable screws 54 which support the same. The position of the valve 13 on the screw 18 can be readily changed through movement of the lock nut 14 and subsequent ro- As the diaphragm 24 is moved upwardly, the

tation of the valve 13. The relative movement of the bell crank ||9 can be adjusted both as to time of movement and distance of travel by manipulation of the screws 99 and ||2. 'I'he flow of gas from the main line to the pilot light can -be varied through rotation of the adjusting screw |89. The thermostat can be set for temperature of operation by the adjustment device |81. It is, therefore, clear that the pressure gas valve 20 is very flexible.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and accompanying drawings have been given by way of illustration and example, and not for purposes of limitation. the device being limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. A gas valve including a casing having therein a diaphragm, a chamber on each side of said diaphragm, an exit chamber, a valve in one of said chambers connected to said diaphragm adapted to close a gas passage between said one of said chambers and the exit chamber when said gas valve is seated, an inlet chamber, a valve in said inlet chamber connected to said diaphragm adapted to close gas communication between said inlet chamber and said one of said chambers when closed, and means for automatically introducing gas into and releasing gas from the other chamber for moving the diaphragm.

2. A gas valve comprising a casing having an inlet chamber, an intermediate chamber, and an outlet chamber, a valve and its seat within the intermediate chamber adapted when closed to interrupt the ow of gas in the line in which the gas valve is disposed, a diaphragm separating the intermediate chamber and a fourth chamber, means connecting said diaphragm and said valve, means for moving said diaphragm to move said valve, and means to regulate the position of said Valve relative to its seat to determine the gas ow including a second valve and its seat in the inlet chamber, said second valve being connected to said diaphragm and being` located to move towards its seat as the valve in the intermediate chamber moves away from its seat.

3. A gas valve comprising a casing having an inlet chamber, an intermediate chamber, and an outlet chamber, a valve and its seat within the intermediate chamber adapted when closed to interrupt the flow of gas in the line in which the gas valve is disposed, a diaphragm separating the intermediate chamber and a fourth chamber and being subjected to line pressure when said valve is closed, means connecting said diaphragm and said valve, means to regulate the position of said valve relative to its seat to determine the gas flow including a second valve and its seat in the inlet chamber, said second valve being connected to said diaphragm and being located to move towards its seat as the first mentioned valve moves away from its seat, and means for introducing gas at line pressure into said fourth chamber and for exhausting gas therefrom to respectively close and open the first mentioned valve.

4. A gas valve including a casing having therein a chamber, a diaphragm, a valve and its seat in said chamber on one side of said diaphragm adapted to interrupt flow through said gas valve -when in closed position, said diaphragm being under line pressure when said valve is closed, a lever in said chamber connected to said diaphragm and to said valve, a second chamber, a valve and its seat in said second chamber, a connection between said second chamber valve and the lever, said second chamber valve being adapted to move towards its seat as the first chamber valve moves away from its seat, and means for introducing gas at line pressure to the other side of said diaphragm and for exhausting gas therefrom to respectively close and open the first mentioned valve`.

5. A gas valve comprising a casing, a pressureactuated diaphragm within the casing, a chamber on each side of the diaphragm, a lever pivoted to the casing disposed within one chamber, said lever being connected to the diaphragm for movement therewith, an inlet chamber, an outlet chamber, a valve within the said one of said chambers connected to the lever for movement therewith adapted to close an opening between the outlet chamber and the said one of said chambers when in one extreme position of movement, a second valve in the inlet chamber connected to the lever for movement therewith adapted to move towards and away from an opening between the inlet chamber and the one of said chambers, and means for exhausting gas from and introducing gas into the other of said chambers to control the movement of the diaphragm.

6. A gas valve-comprising a casing, a pressureactuated diaphragm within the casing, a rst chamber on one side of said diaphragm, a second chamber on the other side of said diaphragm, a gas passage leading into said second chamber and a gas passage leading from said second chamber, a valve Within the second chamber, the position of which determines the flow of gas from the second chamber to a point of consumption, said valve being connected to said diaphragm for movement therewith, said second chamber and the underside of said diaphragm being subjected to line pressure when said valve is in closed position, a passage connecting the LAWRENCE M. PERSONS; 

